Bring Back the May Day Basket!

Contributed by Trish Gau, The Hive Overland Park

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In a world filled with technological marvels and fast-paced living, there's something magical about reviving old traditions. One such tradition, the May Day Basket, holds a special charm that many of us may have forgotten. The May Basket tradition dates back centuries, with origins rooted in ancient pagan festivals celebrating the arrival of spring. People would gather flowers and greenery on May Day, creating small baskets or bouquets to hang on the doors of friends, neighbors, and loved ones as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. It was a simple yet heartfelt gesture, embodying the spirit of community and renewal that comes with the season.

Unfortunately, as time passed and modern life took over, the tradition of the May Basket began to wane. Today, many people have never even heard of it, let alone participated in it. Why let such a delightful custom slip away when it has the potential to bring joy and connection? Here's a simple way to create your own May baskets with a few easy to gather items. You can do this project by yourself, with some middle-stage friends or even with your kids or grandchildren.

You will need:

• colored 12x12 paper or cardstock (patterned looks very pretty)

• tape

• ribbon

• scissors

• stapler

• small baggies and paper towels

• Flowers (Trader Joe's is a great place to get inexpensive flowers and sometimes you can find nice ones at Walmart, too) or candy

• large dinner plate (or circular bowl, etc for tracing)

• other decorations as desired

Use a dinner plate or circle shape to trace and cut a semi circle out of the paper. Form the semi-circle paper into a cone and use the tape to secure the shape. You can adjust the size of your cone depending on what you are putting in it (flowers, candy, small treats). Staple a loop of ribbon (long enough to place over a door knob/handle) to the cone.

Gather a small bunch of flowers and place the stem ends in a wet paper towel inside of a small baggie. Tuck the baggie into the cone. Add a note and other decorations as desired. Deliver your May Day cone to the door of a friend, neighbor or nursing home.

The Hive Women made over 80 beautiful May Day baskets last year and hung them on the doors of the residents of a local assisted living facility. The women and the recipients both loved it!

Imagine waking up on the morning of May 1st to find a colorful cone filled with fresh flowers or treats hanging from your door. The simple act of receiving a May Basket can bring a smile to anyone's face, fostering feelings of warmth and connection with those around us. It's a reminder that even in our busy lives, there's always time to spread a little kindness.

Whether you're hanging a basket on a friend's door or organizing a neighborhood May Day celebration, the simple act of sharing kindness can have a ripple effect that spreads far beyond the boundaries of our own lives. Let's bring back the May Basket and rediscover the joy of connecting with others in a meaningful way.

Did you ever make May baskets as a child? Let us know in the comments below!